One at a Time, Little by Little ずつ

ずつ distributes an amount evenly among people or items, or describes a small amount repeated over time. Attach it after the number or amount: 一人ずつ, “one person at a time”; 少しずつ, “little by little.”

With a counter, ずつ means each person or item gets the same amount. It often follows the counter phrase directly: 一人に二枚ずつ, “two sheets each.”

With 少し or a repeated amount, ずつ highlights gradual progress through small increments. The action accumulates over time rather than happening all at once.

当[あ]たり expresses a rate “per unit,” often for costs, quantities, or statistics: 一人当たり, “per person.” ずつ divides an amount among each person or item; 当たり gives a rate calculated for each unit.

Vocabulary